Dear Cantalician Family,
These are truly some of the most
exciting times in the Cantalician Center's 58 year history. The opening of our
new Academic Campus, the combining of our daycare and preschool programs in to
the same state of the art Campus, and the growth of programs at our Adult
Community Services site will dramatically improve the lives of thousands of
Western New York families just like you for many years to come.
However,
I must share with you news coming from the New York State Governor's office
that could have a dramatic impact on the services that have become such an
important part of your life.
The 2013-14 New York State Executive Budget proposes a
reduction of 6% from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
(OPWDD) Medicaid funding. This amount
equals up to $240 million statewide annually when factoring in the loss federal
matching dollars the state cut will create.
Moreover,
the entire reduction will be taken from "from not-for-profit providers
providing services to people with developmental disabilities All services will be affected including residential,
day habilitation, supported employment, prevocational, Medicaid Service Coordination,
community habilitation, respite, residential habilitation - thelist is endless
and all inclusive.
While we must wait for the final
language to be released from Albany, the Cantalician Center currently has no
plans for ANY reduction of services in any of our program areas. However, if this amendment goes through, the
financial strain will significantly hinder the addition of new opportunities
for the individuals we serve. You will
see changes and reductions in the number of opportunities and types of activities
offered in your program. Facility repairs and maintenance will be done only for
critical life safety issues. Throughout Western New York, transition services for
those young adults graduating from high school and moving to adult services
will be curtailed.
As
someone directly affected by these cuts, we humbly ask that your voice be
heard. I have attached an easy to
follow guide to contacting your local representatives to let them know that
allowing this cut to go through will threaten the services that your family
depends on.
If you have any questions at all or
would like know of additional ways that you can help, please do not hesitate to
contact me directly at (716) 901-8702.
Sincerely,
Terese M. Scofidio
Executive Director
